Berjaya Auto Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles in the country, is strengthening the championship bid of the multi-awarded touring car race driver as he competes again in Division 3 (100-hp class) of the 2015 Philippine GT and PTCC series. Rodriguez will drive a race-prepared 2015 SKYACTIV Mazda2 hatchback in the two premier circuit racing championships in the country. The reigning Division 3 champion will rely on the new model’s powerful and efficient SKYACTIV chassis, powertrain and suspension technologies to ensure a competitive 2015 campaign.

A photo posted by Ted Claudio (@tedclaudio) on May 15, 2015 at 5:45am PDT

“Mazda has always been about the thrill of driving and our support of Philippine motorsports allows us to communicate our passion more effectively,” says Steven Tan, President and CEO of BAP and Mazda Philippines. He adds, “We found in Edwin that pure desire to compete even when the odds are stacked against him as we saw last year when he drove the outgoing Mazda2 to the championship. This year, timed with the release of the all-new SKYACTIV Mazda2, we believe Edwin can challenge with more confidence and consistency for the overall touring car championship title.”

“I really feel blessed to have such good people behind me,” shares Rodriguez. “Finally after so many years a car manufacturer is again supporting a local racer. It was just my wish that someday a car manufacturer would be backing my racing career. With the support of Mazda Philippines and with a great new racecar for the 2015 season, my wish has come true. A big, big thanks to Steven and Mazda Philippines for the trust and confidence in me and my team.”

The KYACTIV Mazda2 hatchback variant that Rodriguez will race has manual transmission is now being prepared for the much-awaited race.